Teen Christian convention inspires youth group

Friday

Jan 25, 2013 at 1:14 PM

What's wrong with youngsters these days?

BY DWIGHT DAVISThe Dispatch

What's wrong with youngsters these days?Judging by the thousands of teenagers who reaffirmed their faith at the recent Tennessee Christian Teen Convention, there may be more right with them than many believe.It was definitive proof to Pilgrim Reformed Church Pastor Jamie Kent and youth pastor Brent Knight that there is indeed hope for the future."You hear about all the trouble teenagers are getting into these days. It was pretty inspiring to see that many teenagers praise God and show that they are Christians," says Knight who, along with Kent and three other adults, took 11 from the Pilgrim Reformed youth group to the annual convention. Total attendance for the Jan. 11-13 event in Gatlinburg was announced at 5,078.Kent, a Johnson City native who is a former board member of the convention and attended the event numerous times as both a youth and youth pastor, noted "all of the ones in our group rededicated their faith. That sent a really good message."The significance of the Saturday night experience was not lost on the Pilgrim Reformed youths, either."It was reassuring to know that there are other people (teenagers) out there like us, who believe the same things we do. It was reassuring to see people unafraid to stand up for what they believe in," says Austin Morris, a sophomore at East Davidson High School who believes that was the best moment of the convention."It was breathtaking to see that many teenagers together and worshiping God. That was really cool," describes Carlin Truell, a senior at North Davidson High School.Johnette Davis, president of the church's consistory, also made the trip. "It's awe-inspiring when you see 5,000 kids all singing and praising the Lord. It gives you cold chills," she says. Davis also says it was also important to her that she learned more about the youths in her church. "We became closer," she adds."They cut up and had a good time," says Knight, "but our kids were so well-behaved. They were very serious about what was going on at the convention."Various performances at the three-day event included religious-themed plays by a duo known as the Skit Guys, Christian rock musical performances and even a Christian rapper.A speech during the finale by former Denver Broncos player Steve Fitzhugh was moving, Kent says."It has grown over the years," Kent says of the convention. "They have better speakers and more kids attending.""There was so much (going on)," Truell says. "The Skit Guys was one of our favorite things."Dwight Davis can be reached at 249-3981, ext, 226 or at dwight.davis@the-dispatch.com.

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